There is some huge NBA news to end the night, now that reports have surfaced that the Cleveland Cavaliers have finally gotten their wish and dealt Andrew Bynum out of the city, to the Chicago Bulls for Luol Deng. In the deal, the Cavs will send future draft picks to Cleveland along with the disgruntled Bynum.
For the Bulls, this move puts them into full tank mode, saving a good amount of money moving forward. For the Cavs, it gives them immediate leadership at a position they needed to fill. Cleveland made the trade after the team suspended him for conduct detrimental to the team. Out in Chicago, word is that Deng rejected a 3-year/$10 million dollar extension, so it was only a matter of time before they sent him packing.
The Bulls will now have to decide if they want to waive Bynum by tomorrow at 5 pm EST or risk paying his full contract thereafter. With these picks and salary cap relief, Chicago will now be in heavy play to make a run at another elite level player this summer (see: Carmelo Anthony). According to sources, more player swaps may continue.
Stay tuned for more details tomorrow, if the Bulls waive Bynum or not.
UPDATE: Chicago Bulls officially waive Bynum.
OS REWIND: Cleveland Cavaliers Suspend C Andrew Bynum Indefinitely
#Bulls waive center Andrew Bynum; Chicago’s roster now stands at 12: http://t.co/3MHYo9S7AO
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2014
The Cavs will send Andrew Bynum and a draft pick to the Bulls for Luol Deng.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 7, 2014